European lead negotiator Michel Barnier has revealed that all efforts exerted towards securing a post-Brexit trade haven’t been fruitful yet as the UK and the EU continues to hold strong their demand on key issues like fishery and governance.
Following late-night crunch talks between both sides, Mr Barnier disclosed to the EU27 ambassadors that the disagreement over the level playing field, fisheries and governance are still unbroken.
A senior EU official that’s familiar with the negotiations said, “both sides are making progress every day”.
But a UK government source last night debunked the claim, saying, “There’s been no breakthrough on fish. Nothing new has been achieved on this“.
Mr Barnier is expected back to talks with David Frost after the briefing as they continue looking for a way to reach final compromises available.
“I’m pessimistic at this stage, we need more drama to get this over the line.” An EU diplomat expressed.
In a bid to work harder towards securing a deal, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hold another round of high-level talks with Commission boss Ursula von der Leyen later today.
